The idea, which would see the current site closed in order for it to be relocated to the store on Chapel Street, was said to be “ill-thought”.

Southport MP John Pugh said: “This Post Office is always busy, with queues sometimes out into the street.

“The main complaint has been particularly older resid- ents having to wait for too long.

“It cannot be said to be losing money.

“Sub-postmasters sometimes complain that the Crown Post Offices get too much subsidy, but I would be surprised if this one needs subsidy.”

Dr Pugh also believes that, if it is transferred to a place like WH Smith’s, then that would benefit the store, but it would not represent progress for cust- omers.

He added: “There are big questions about matters like disabled access and about proper priority being given to post office customers.

“At the moment, users can be dropped off right plumb in the centre of town, which is where you might expect the major post office to be.

“Post Office counters are offering a half-baked solution to a half-understood problem.”

Southport residents also believe that it is not a good idea to move the post office.

Vivian Elliott, from Southport, said: “I don’t think it would be good because the area where WH Smith’s is is pedest- rianised.

“How will the lorries and the vans park up?

“It’s in a good spot now because it’s more accessible.

“The worst thing they ever did was that they shut all of the smaller post offices. That has caused massive queues in the main post office in town now because everyone goes there.”

The Post Office started a six week consultation yesterday (Monday). Submissions can be made through an online questionnaire at postoffice views.co.uk, by FREEPOST Your Comments to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@ postoffice.co.uk, via the Customer Helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or Textphone 08457 22 33 55.